August 6, 2024

 

Spain's pork producers push efforts to drive exports to Philippines

 

 

Pork producers in Spain are intensifying efforts to expand exports to the Philippines by participating in food expos and offering free study trips to local importers and food businesses.

 

The European Pork, the Smart Choice campaign, co-financed by the EU Commission, aims to raise awareness of European pork's high standards in food safety, quality, animal welfare, and sustainability, according to Daniel de Miguel, deputy director and international manager at Interporc.

 

The Philippines is a key market for Spanish pork, ranking third in Asia after China and Japan.

 

De Miguel noted that Spanish pork exports to the Philippines peaked at 200,000 tonnes in 2022, driven by increased shipments amid the local hog industry's struggles with African swine fever (ASF). This included 102,711 tonnes of frozen meats and 76,613 tonnes of offals.

 

However, exports fell to 160,000 tonnes in 2023 as the Philippine industry recovered, with frozen meat exports declining to 42,299 tonnes and offal exports to 65,024 tonnes. Conversely, fresh bacon shipments from Spain increased to 36,452 tonnes in 2023 from 29,900 tonnes.

 

Spain is now focusing on promoting its culinary products, such as jamón and chorizo, in the Philippine market.

 

"To enhance B2B relationships, we will organise cross-missions to showcase our production facilities and visit companies exporting to the Philippines, Vietnam, and China," de Miguel said. "This initiative will also allow participants to experience Spanish gastronomy and tourism, reflecting our expertise in pork and cultural heritage."

 

Despite the relatively small volume of cured meat exports to the Philippines, Spain aims to differentiate itself in the market.

 

"Although jamón's volume is modest, it holds significant value and serves as a hallmark of our culinary tradition," de Miguel added.

 

While more than 100 Spanish companies are accredited to export meat to the Philippines, only 20 to 30 regularly ship products to the market.

 

De Miguel expects Philippine pork consumption to grow, with Spanish producers aiming to boost sales and increase market share.

- Bilyonaryo